ISO Professional, along with over 850 beauty industry executives and professionals, got together and took part in honoring philanthropist Harlan Kirschner, President of The Kirschner Group, Inc., for his humanitarian efforts and support for City of Hope at the 2014 Spirit of Life Gala event held on July 12, 2014 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and life-threatening diseases. Not only is it one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News and World Report, it is one of the comprehensive cancer centers, which is the highest title granted by the National Cancer Institute for excellence in cancer treatment, innovative research, prevention and vital education. The future of health is transformed through numerous breakthrough cancer drugs due to the technology pioneered by the City of Hope, thus saving lives worldwide.

Harlan Kirschner first visited City of Hope in 2003 and he has supported their campaigns every year since then. But he truly felt passionate about cancer research until he met his now son-in-law when he was 14 years old, struggling with Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. He underwent chemotherapy treatment and radiation and has now been cancer-free for over 15 years! He has been blessed with a second chance at life and institutions like City of Hope have made all this happen.

The “Celebrating Cures” campaign unites the beauty industry, empowering every single member of the (beauty) community to create change in the world. Through this campaign, we celebrate the hope of a cure against this deadly disease that millions are fighting around the world. To date, Celebrating Cures has raised more than $850,000 for City of Hope.

Cancer will affect one out of every two men and one out of every three women in their lifetime. This is a very shocking statistic. But we should remain optimistic in this battle against cancer for some forms now have cures, thanks to all the wonderful achievements made possible by City of Hope and people who care like Mr. Harlan Kirschner. Thank you for your passion and commitment. Because of you, there will ALWAYS BE HOPE. You truly are an inspiration to not only the beauty industry, but to us all.